# SPOT-6

> Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q14083964](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14083964)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/spot-6

## Summary
SPOT-6 is an Earth observation satellite launched by France in 2012 as part of the SPOT satellite series. It was designed for high-resolution optical imaging and operated by Airbus DS Geo, providing Earth observation services for a planned 10-year service life.

## Key Facts
- Launched on September 9, 2012, at 04:23 UTC from Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad
- Operated by Airbus DS Geo as part of the SPOT satellite series
- Weighed 712 kilograms at launch
- Powered by three solar arrays
- Designed for a 10-year service life
- Launched using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C21)
- Satellite of Sun-synchronous orbit
- Manufactured by Space Systems using AstroSat-500 Mk. 2 spacecraft bus
- Country of origin: France
- COSPAR ID: 2012-047A

## FAQs
### Q: What is SPOT-6?
A: SPOT-6 is an Earth observation satellite launched in 2012 by France as part of the SPOT satellite series. It was designed for high-resolution optical imaging and operated by Airbus DS Geo.

### Q: When was SPOT-6 launched?
A: SPOT-6 was launched on September 9, 2012, at 04:23 UTC from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad in India.

### Q: How long was SPOT-6 designed to operate?
A: SPOT-6 was designed for a 10-year service life, though the actual operational duration may have varied.

## Why It Matters
SPOT-6 represents a significant advancement in Earth observation capabilities, providing high-resolution optical imagery for environmental monitoring, urban planning, agriculture, and disaster management. As part of the SPOT series, it continues France's long-standing commitment to Earth observation from space, offering consistent, reliable data for both civilian and commercial applications. The satellite's Sun-synchronous orbit ensures consistent lighting conditions for imaging, making it valuable for time-series analysis and change detection. Its launch also demonstrates international collaboration in space technology, being launched from India's spaceport while being operated by a French company.

## Notable For
- Part of the long-running SPOT satellite series that began in 1970
- High-resolution optical imaging capabilities for Earth observation
- International collaboration with launch from India's spaceport
- 10-year design life for extended operational capability
- Operated by Airbus DS Geo, a major European space company

## Body
### Technical Specifications
SPOT-6 is an Earth observation satellite with a launch mass of 712 kilograms. It was launched into a Sun-synchronous orbit, which allows for consistent lighting conditions when capturing images of Earth's surface. The satellite is powered by three solar arrays, providing the necessary energy for its operations.

### Launch and Operations
The satellite was launched on September 9, 2012, at 04:23 UTC from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad in India. It was launched using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C21). SPOT-6 is operated by Airbus DS Geo and is part of the SPOT satellite series, which has been providing Earth observation services since 1970.

### Design and Construction
SPOT-6 was manufactured by Space Systems using the AstroSat-500 Mk. 2 spacecraft bus. The satellite was designed for a 10-year service life, though actual operational duration may vary. It has a COSPAR ID of 2012-047A and is identified by the NSSDCA ID 2012-047A.

### International Collaboration
The launch of SPOT-6 demonstrates international cooperation in space technology, with a French satellite being launched from India's spaceport. This collaboration between France and India in space technology has been ongoing and beneficial for both countries' space programs.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "SPOT-6",
  "description": "Earth observation satellite launched by France in 2012 as part of the SPOT satellite series",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPOT-6",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPOT-6"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Earth observation satellite"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/spot-6.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report